Affordable Walking Boots | 6 of the Best Under £100

We take a look at some of the best value walking boots on the market to save you some cash.

Published: Wednesday 28th September 2016

If you're not a regular hill walker then it must be tough parting with so much cash for outdoors gear, especially walking boots. They can sit in your garage for months on end without any use, so are there boots available with better value per wear?

In the UK, there are various "budget" outdoors brands that produce decent quality gear for very minimal prices. Even "cheap" supermarkets can do the job, so we've picked out six examples of value walking boots to give you an idea of what's out there.

If you need any further info on buying a new pair of boots then check out our walking boots buyer's guide with tips and advice to help you choose the right pair for you.

Aldi walking boots

Aldi Specialbuys Walking Boot

The budget supermarket brand has released its updated Specialbuys walking boots, fourteen years after the original Aldi boots came out and staggeringly only £2 more expensive.

Specialbuys stats

If you take into account inflation, the boots are a lot cheaper than they were back then and yet the materials and general construction have improved.

The uppers now use a PU-leather suede, while there is a comfortable textile lining and a two-coloured TPR sole. The last Aldi boots had Vibram soles, but were £5 more expensive eight years ago.

Interestingly, and slightly bizarrely, Aldi say your feet will be dry for three hours in use so we're not sure if that means constant rain or wading through wet bogs, but it does suggest they're probably better for shorter walks - possibly with the dog(s). For that price though, worth a gamble we reckon.

Gower stats

The Gower is a boot with a proper brown leather classical style, although not actually leather, and a very simplistic but effective build.

The EVA sock midsole helps your feet mould to the footbed for long-lasting comfort, the membrane is claimed to be fully waterproof and the rubber cup outsole is designed for added traction.

But with anything this cheap - just £30 - you'd have to assume that general durability will be lacking. The stitching and materials won't have the same quality as the market's more premium boots. However, like the Aldi pair, we'd have to recommend taking a punt on them if you're a part-time hiker.

Gelert Horizon Walking Boot

The British brand owned by Sports Direct offers affordable outdoor gear that doesn't necessarily shout out "cheap", and in the Gelert Horizon it has a boot with a very slick design and is made up of decent fabrics to boot - excuse the pun.

Regatta Garsdale Mid Walking Boot

Just because a brand like Regatta is considered to be "budget", it doesn't necessarily mean the products are of low quality - often they're really decent. As well as the Garsdale boots, the British company also produces a whole load of affordable gear including waterproof jackets.

Garsdale stats

PRICE: £70

USED FOR: hill walking

AIMED AT: hill walkers who want a reliable, waterproof boot

WHY SO GOOD: EVA footbed is super comfortable, currently retailing for half price

Storm stats

The Hi-Tec Storm is built with numerous features designed for long-lasting comfort, durability and performance like the compression molded EVA midsole, which absorbs impact to reduce strain on the body.

The boot is also built with Hi-Tec's own brand Dri-Tec membrane technology which helps with moisture wicking and keeps the feet dry during all those wet hikes.

And the rubber soles have been properly considered in the design too - the Multi-Directional Traction (MDT) means good grip on varied terrain. Very decent pair of walking boots for the price and if you're just a dog walker then they'll probably last you for years.

Karrimor Bodmin IV Mid Walking Boot

The brand that's produced affordable gear - like its range of waterproof jackets - brings out its fourth edition of the classic Bodmin boot. Karrimor has updated its popular model to be more comfortable than ever with the new Phylon midsole for added cushioning.

Bodmin IV stats

PRICE: £80

WEIGHT: 500g

USED FOR: hill walking

AIMED AT: part-time, beginner hill walkers

WHY SO GOOD: properly grippy Dynagrip sole for good traction on varied terrain

The Bodmin is aimed at hill walkers just starting to find their feet in the outdoors - excuse the pun, again - and need a reliable pair of boots that won't fall apart.

But the Bodmin IVs won't just remain intact, they're built with an impressively breathable Weathertite membrane to keep your feet dry, while the suede and mesh upper keeps the boot lightweight and breathable.

It's sort of in that mid-range category where it's more advanced than a dog walking boot, but it's not quite for full-on hill walking. However, it's only half a kilo and well under £100 so could be a very worthwhile investment for those looking to start hill walking.